Christine Evans, known as the clairvoyant Yanna, has made a living predicting her Princeton-area clients' futures.
Now she is facing fraud charges that could land her in jail. The Nassau Street palm reader probably did not see that one coming.
Evans was arraigned in Mercer County Court Tuesday on charges that she deceived a 47-year-old woman out of $183,000 in cash and jewelry as payments received for "cleansing evil spirits and sacrifices," police said.
Evans allegedly "swindled the victim, who resides in Plainsboro Township," Borough Police Capt. Anthony Federico said yesterday.
Evans, 32, was arrested and charged with second-degree theft and deception. Warrants have also been issued in Plainsboro for the arrest of her husband, David Millano, Federico said. Millano was allegedly involved in tampering with the victim, trying to convince her to drop charges.
For five years Evans has prophesied using palm readings and tarot cards from her second-story office above Ebenezer's Coffee and Hinkson's stationary store.
She could not be reach for comment and calls to her attorney Robert Dato — a fraud defense specialist — were not returned at press time.
Dato told The Trentonian his client is innocent, adding that Princeton Borough officials have been waiting for an opportunity to kick her psychic's shop out of a neighborhood better known for its designer boutiques and upscale eateries.
At least one nearby business owner supported Dato's claim.
"There are old, rich people here. If they don't like the store, it gets watched," said Scott Meltzer, owner of Knight Dreams Comics, next door to Yanna's office. "There's not a lot of crime here, so certain shops are unjustly prosecuted."
Meltzer said police have accused him of using his 10-year-old store to deal drugs.
He said he has heard few complaints about the five-foot-six blond psychic with a Brooklyn accent. "She wouldn't be in very often," he said. "But the clients who made appointments tended to be middle-aged women who came later in the day."
District Attorney spokeswoman Casey DeBlasio said they will continue to collect information and the case will probably be presented to a grand jury within four to six weeks.
Read More
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reflects on path to the Supreme Court in campus lecture
Isaac Bernstein and Justus WilhoitAt Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
At Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
Student employment in flux as University navigates budget cuts
Kian PetlinThe future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.
The future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.
Five percent of Class of 2029 identify as Black or African-American, lowest since 1968
Sena ChangIn the Class of 2029, 5 percent of students identified as Black or African American — the lowest share in many years, compared to the roughly seven to nine percent range in the past two decades.
In the Class of 2029, 5 percent of students identified as Black or African American — the lowest share in many years, compared to the roughly seven to nine percent range in the past two decades.